Val lost track of time, as she slipped in and out of consciousness. The pain was great, and a chill went down to her bones. Celeste maintained the air bubble that held Val as they travelled, so she didn't have a clear view of the sky to count the passing time.
The next thing Val knew, she could feel a breeze on her face. She couldn't stop herself from shivering. She opened her eyes to be greeted by daybreak. A group had gathered, and among them was Celeste in her human form. Val was finding it hard to concentrate, so she couldn't make out anything said. But she saw Celeste plead with what appeared to be the leader.
The leader was hauntingly beautiful. She had silver hair down to her waist. Her eyes were a deep blue, and captivated the viewer. Her voice was melodic. Val couldn't take her eyes off of her.
The woman sent Celeste away, and ordered two other women to pick Val up off of the ground. Val lost consciousness once again, but was mildly aware of her surroundings. She could feel herself being lifted. They carried her a ways before reaching their destination.
Val could feel the cool air on her skin, as they had removed her clothes. Then, together, they entered the water. She could feel them supporting her from both sides and at her head.
The most alluring song entered her ears. It sent a warmth to her tired soul. When she opened her eyes, an amazing sight entered her vision. A creature that could only be described as mythical was before her.
It was the woman with the silver hair, but she looked different. Her ears were fin like. Scales ran down from the sides of her face, down her neck, and covering her breasts. She couldn't see, but no doubt a trail with fins could be found below. The scales were shimmering, and a mix of teal and blue, depending on the light.
Her voice mixed with the others to transfix Val. Her pain long forgotten. A part of her wanted this moment to never end. She fell into a deep sleep. She no longer stirred. She no longer was aware of her surroundings. She was at peace.
...
Val felt refreshed. She opened her eyes. Celeste's worried face came into focus. Val looked at the room as she sat up. Celeste rushed in for a bear hug.
"Val! You have finally woken up!" Celeste shouted. "I was so worried. Mother preformed the blessing, but you did not wake up."
Val was mildly disoriented. She was in a very nice room. The walls were white. The floor looked like marble. The bed had a tall frame with a canopy. She almost forgot why Celeste brought her to this place. Wherever this place was.
"I'm sorry for making you worry." Val rubbed Celeste's back.
"I will go get you some food and drink." Celeste pulled away. "You must be famished."
"Wait," Val called to Celeste, "how long have I been out?"
"It has been a week." Celeste said, and turned again to run her errand.
At first she didn't believe she had been sleeping for so long. But as soon as she tried to get out of bed, the hunger and fatigue hit her. The news that one was out for a week is a big shock. What has been happening? They left Cosmo to deal with their pursuers. Is he safe? Who were those men? So many questions went through her head.
Val leaned her head back on the headboard. She was overwhelmed, but there wasn't much use in racking her brain for answers. Celeste could probably supply some of them when she returned. Her life has truly entered into the unknown.
After some time, Celeste returned. She brought an assortment of sea food and fruit. Val salivated at the sight. She could hardly wait to devour it.
"I hope that you enjoy this type of food." Celeste meekly said. "Being close to the ocean, we do not eat meat outside of what we find in the ocean. And all of our produce is grown within the temple grounds."
Val inhaled the food as soon as the platter made contact with the bed. "It's delicious!" She exclaimed between bites. "I've never had such fresh fish in my life!"
"When you are feeling better, I will show you around the temple." Celeste couldn't contain her excitement. "Mother does not allow many visitors, but she has made an exception for you. I told her all that you have done for me. She is grateful for your care."
Val nodded. She was very curious about this new world she had stepped into. As she was listening to Celeste babble on about how wonderful the temple was, Val remembered some of what happened. These mythical creatures and strange magic were both exciting and terrifying.
"Celeste," Val caught the other's attention, "I have a few questions."
"Oh, yes!" Celeste changed course. "It must be quite a shock for you. Mother knows more about the curse, and she will speak with you when she has the time. But I can try to answer your questions."
"Well..." Val drifted off, not sure how to continue.
"Both Cosmo and I are children of Draco. But I am not a pure blood dragon, like Cosmo." Celeste started. "My mother is the high priestess of the water temple and a siren. My powers are really only useful when near a source of water."
"I see." Val replied weakly. "Is that why you transformed in the sea?"
"Yes." Celeste nodded enthusiastically. "My form reflects Mother's form, but Cosmo looks very much like Father. He is a truly fearsome sight when he is in his natural form."
Though she had seen it with her own eyes, Val was still finding it hard to comprehend. Weren't these creatures only in stories? Told to frighten travellers and children? But the brother, sister pair have always given off a different aura. Perhaps, all of these revelations make perfect sense.